Processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture and method and system for making the same

ABSTRACT

A processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture including acetylene and butenyne is disclosed. The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can include acetylene, butenyne, and (a) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 30% nitrogen, or (c) both. A method of mixing the inert gas, nitrogen, or both and a unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture is also disclosed. The method can include the use of flow controllers to adjust mixing ratio of the gasses. The compositions can exhibit tailored thermal output above 500 BTU/ft 3 . The compositions can exhibit tailored thermal output below 1,100 BTU/ft 3 . The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can exhibit a similar thermal output as natural gas with less CO2 emissions per normalized thermal output unit.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/037,439, filed Aug. 14, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to a high-energy, acetylene-based gaseous or liquefied fuel and a method and system for making the same.

BACKGROUND

Natural gas is used as a fuel source in a wide range of applications, including gas grills, laundry dryers, stoves, power generators, and water heaters. However, like oil, natural gas is a limited resource that is subject to depletion. Thus, there are efforts to find substitutes for natural gas. Acetylene is one such substitute that has been used in some high energy applications, such as torches and welding.

However, to date, safety concerns have prevented widespread adoption of acetylene. In particular, acetylene gas produced by conventional processes will explode when exposed to pressures above 15 psig. To avoid this issue, acetylene is generally shipped and stored dissolved in a solvent (e.g., acetone) within a metal cylinder with a porous filling (e.g., Agamassan), which generally renders it safe to transport and use, given proper handling. These measures add expense and prevent acetylene from being a useful, safe alternative to natural gas. Thus, the need for safe alternatives to natural gas persist.

We have previously reported in U.S. Pat. No. 8,742,194 on the composition and method of manufacture of a novel hydrocarbon mixture comprising acetylene, butenyne, and dimethyl butadiyne as an alternative to natural gas. The entire content of U.S. Pat. No. 8,742,194 is incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A diluted hydrocarbon-containing mixture that includes acetylene, butenyne, and an inert gas, or mixtures of inert gases, is disclosed. The diluted hydrocarbon-containing mixture comprises acetylene, butenyne, and (a) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 30% nitrogen, or (c) both. The diluted hydrocarbon-containing mixture can include 5% to 44.725% acetylene, 5% to 44.725% butenyne, at least 0.125% dimethyl butadiyne, and (i) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (ii) greater than 30% nitrogen, or (ii) both. The percentages recited herein are mass-%, unless noted otherwise. The inert gas can be nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, argon, krypton, neon, dichlorodifluoromethane, tetrafluoromethane, chlorotrifluoromethane, chlorodifluoromethane, sulfur hexafluoride, hexafluoroethane, perfluoropentane, perfluoromethylcyclohexane, perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane, perfluoromethyldecalin, supercritical carbon dioxide, or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments where the inert gas is nitrogen, the amount of nitrogen is greater than 30%, or greater than 40%, or greater than 50%. In some embodiments, the inert gas to acetylene ratio can range from 1 to 1 to 85 to 1.

In some embodiments, the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can include at least 5% butenyne, at least 10% butenyne, or at least 15% butenyne.

In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon-containing mixture can also include at least 1% divinyl sulfide, at least 2% divinyl sulfide, or at least 3% divinyl sulfide.

The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be anhydrous. The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be present in liquid form. The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be stable at a pressure of 25 psig for more than 1 day.

The CO₂ emission factor of the unprocessed hydrocarbon mixture i.e., without the inert gas or nitrogen) is approximately 0.000025 times higher than that of natural gas. When the hydrocarbon-containing mixture includes an inert gas, or nitrogen, or both, the normalized CO₂ emissions per unit of thermal energy produced can be significantly lower for the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture than that of natural gas.

An energy content of the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be at least 500 BTU/ft³ at standard temperature and pressure. An energy content of the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be less than 1,100 BTU/ft³ at standard temperature and pressure.

A method for mixing a unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture with an inert gas to obtain a processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture is also described. The method can include providing a unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture feed stream comprising acetylene, butenyne, and, optionally, at least 0.125% dimethyl butadiyne. The method can include providing a unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture feed stream comprising acetylene, butenyne, and (i) further comprising dimethyl butadiyne, (ii) comprising at least 5% butenyne, or (iii) both. The method for mixing can include providing a separate feed stream comprising (a) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 50% nitrogen, or (c) both.

The nitrogen can be provided by a nitrogen feed stream, which can be produced by a nitrogen generator. The nitrogen generator can comprise a gas separating material The gas separating material can comprise gas fiber membranes, carbon molecular sieves, activated carbon, or a combination thereof.

The method for mixing can be controlled by gas-flow controllers on both the nitrogen stream and on the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream. The gas-flow controllers can be controlled by a computer.

The method for mixing can include combining the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture with the inert gas stream at one or more junction points to produce the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream.

The method for mixing can produce a processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture comprising (a) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 30% nitrogen, or (c) both. The method for mixing can include the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture produced therefrom to comprise (a) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 50% nitrogen, or (c) both.

In some embodiments, the method for mixing can include where the nitrogen or inert gas is stored in a separate container which is in fluidic communication with the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream. In some embodiments of the method for mixing, the nitrogen or inert gas is stored in a separate container that is one way fluidic communication with the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream. For example, in some embodiments, the contents of the separate container can flow into the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream, but the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream cannot flow into the container. In some embodiments, this is achieved with a one way valve. In other embodiments, this is achieve because the pressure in the container is substantially higher than the pressure of the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the present method and system will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic showing a system as described herein, where the nitrogen or inert gas stream is in fluid communication with an unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing stream to form a processed hydrocarbon-containing stream.

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic showing a system as described herein, where the nitrogen or inert gas stream is in one-way fluid communication with an unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing stream to form a processed hydrocarbon-containing stream.

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic showing a system as described herein.

It should be noted that the Figures are not drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture that includes acetylene, butenyne, and an inert gas, or mixtures of inert gases, is described. The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixtures can be used in a variety of applications, including but not limited to gas grills, laundry dryers, stoves, power generators, handheld lighters, fuel cell feedstock, and water heaters.

The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture comprises acetylene, butenyne, and (a) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 30% nitrogen, or (c) both. In some embodiments, the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can include 5% to 44.725% acetylene, 5% to 44.725% butenyne, at least 0.125% dimethyl butadiyne, and (i) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (ii) greater than 30% nitrogen, or (ii) both. In some embodiments, the inert gas can be nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, argon, krypton, neon, dichlorodifluoromethane, tetrafluoromethane, chlorotrifluoromethane, chlorodifluoromethane, sulfur hexafluoride, hexafluoroethane, perfluoropentane, periluoromethylcyclohexane, perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane, per-fluoromethyldecalin, or mixtures thereof.

The unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be made using the method identified in U.S. Pat. No. 8,742,194, which is incorporated by reference herein. Briefly, that method comprises a feed stream comprising acetylene which is reacted with water and calcium carbide (CaC₂), and optionally further comprising that the feed stream can then be processed further in a finishing vessel in order to produce butenyne (also vinylacetylene) and, optionally, dimethyl butadiyne (also dimethyl diacetylene). In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon-containing mixture can also include additional molecules resulting from contaminants or by-products in the process. For example, additional hydrocarbons may be present, with or without heteroatoms, divinyl sulfide may be present from contaminants in the calcium carbide. The relevant hydrocarbon compounds have the following chemical structures:

As used herein, “unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture” is intended to refer to a mixture that includes hydrocarbons, such as acetylene, butenyne and dimethyl butadiyne, as well as, heteroatom containing organic compounds (e.g., divinyl suflide) and other gases (e.g., air, oxygen, nitrogen, and water vapor). The unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be substantially free of aromatic compounds. The unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be substantially free of compounds with a molecular weight greater than 150 Da, free of compounds with a molecular weight greater than 100 Da, or free of compounds with a molecular weight greater than 90 Da. The unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be substantially free of alkanes (i.e., the hydrocarbons present are alkenes and alkynes). As used herein, “substantially free” indicates an abundance of 3% or less, 2% or less, 1% or less, or 0.5% of less.

The unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can include 10% to 89% acetylene, 10% to 89% butenyne and, optionally, at least 0.25% dimethyl butadiyne. The acetylene can be present in an amount greater than 15%, greater than 20%, greater than 25%, greater than 27.5%, greater than 30%, or greater than 32.5%. The acetylene can be present in an amount less than 85%, less than 80%, less than 75%, less than 70%, less than 65%, less than 60%, less than 55%, less than 50%, less than 45% or less than 40%. Where all percentages are mass percentages based on the entire mixture, including heteroatom containing molecules (e.g., divinyl sulfide and nitrogen).

The butenyne in the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be present in an amount greater than 15%, greater than 20%, greater than 25%, greater than 30%, greater than 35%, greater than 40%, greater than 42.5%, greater than 45% or greater than 47.5%. The butenyne can be present in an amount less than 85%, less than 80%, less than 75%, less than 70%, less than 65%, less than 60%, or less than 55%.

The dimethyl butadiyne in the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be present in an amount greater than 0.25%, greater than 0.5%, greater than 0.75%, greater than 1%, or greater than 1.25%. The dimethyl butadiyne can be present in an amount less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, less than 10%, less than 5% or less than 2.5%.

The divinyl sulfide in the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be present in an amount greater than 0.5%, greater than 2.5%, greater than 5%, or greater than 10%. The divinyl sulfide can be present in an amount less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5%.

The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can include acetylene, butenyne and dimethyl butadiyne, and optionally divinyl sulfide, in the relative ratios described above, with additional gases such as nitrogen, inert gas, or other gases. Thus, the ratio of acetylene:butenyne:dimethyl butadiyne could be 47:47:6, and the total concentration ation of acetylene, butenyne and dimethyl butadiyne in the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture could be 50% with the remaining 50% being nitrogen, an inert gas other than nitrogen, or a combination thereof.

Where the inert gas is other than nitrogen, the amount of inert gas in the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be greater than 1%, or alternatively, greater than 2%, or alternatively, greater than 5%, or alternatively, greater than 10%, or alternatively, greater than 20%, or alternatively, greater than 30%, or alternatively, greater than 35%, or alternatively, greater than 40%, or alternatively, greater than 45%, or alternatively, greater than 50%, or alternatively, greater than 55% or alternatively, greater than 60%, or alternatively, greater than 65%, or alternatively, greater than 70%, or alternatively, greater than 75%, or alternatively, greater than 80%. In some embodiments, the amount of inert gas is no greater than 85%.

Where the inert gas is nitrogen, the amount of nitrogen in the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be greater than 30%, or alternatively, greater than 35%, or alternatively, greater than 40%, or alternatively, greater than 45%, or alternatively, greater than 50%, or alternatively, greater than 55% or alternatively, greater than 60%, or alternatively, greater than 65%, or alternatively, greater than 70%, or alternatively, greater than 75%, or alternatively, greater than 80%, or alternatively, greater than 85%.

Where the inert gas in the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture is a mixture of nitrogen and gas or gases other than nitrogen, the amount of nitrogen and gas or gases other than nitrogen can be greater than 30%, or alternatively, greater than 35%, or alternatively, greater than 40%, or alternatively, greater than 45%, or alternatively, greater than 50%, or alternatively, greater than 55% or alternatively, greater than 60%, or alternatively, greater than 65%, or alternatively, greater than 70%, or alternatively, greater than 75%, or alternatively, greater than 80%, or alternatively, greater than 85%.

The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can have as the ratio of inert gas to acetylene range ranges from 1:1 to 85:1, or from 2:1 to 60:1, or from 5:1 to 40:1, or any combination of these ranges (e.g., 1:1 to 5:1 or 2:1 to 40:1). As a non-limiting example, if the composition of acetylene in the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture is 20%, then the amount of the inert gas could range from 20% to 80%.

As used herein, “inert gas” has its meaning as known in the art, and includes compositions that exist in a gaseous state at room temperature (e.g. 20° C.) that will not react to hydrocarbons or combust, and also includes its meaning as known in the art. The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can also be anhydrous. As used herein, the term “anhydrous” can mean no detectible amounts of water or water vapor, but can also include less than 1% water, less than 0.5% water, less than 0.1% water, less than 0.01% wate less than 0.001% water or less than 0.0001% water, based on weight percentages.

The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can also be stored or processed under pressure in liquid form. Because liquification of light weight hydrocarbons generally occurs at high pressure, this is only possible because the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixtures described herein are unexpectedly stable at high pressures. The liquid processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be free of solvents (e.g., acetone and dimethylformamide), can be stored in a hollow vessel (i.e., a vessel without a porous matrix—such as Agamassan—disposed therein), or both.

The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be stable at a pressure of 25 psig for more than 1 day. This is a substantial difference from conventional acetylene gas, which will explode at pressures above 15 psig. This unique property allows the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture to be (i) stored in liquid form without dissolving it in a solvent, and (ii) transported, stored and used in conventional tanks without the porous media currently necessary for acetylene gas. Acetylene gas produced by conventional methods can explode with devastating results when exposed to pressures above 15 psig. Thus, numerous precautions must be taken and specialized equipment is required when handling conventional acetylene gas. In contrast, the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixtures described herein remains stable even at pressures above 20 psig, 25 psig, 30 psig, 35 psig or even 40 psig, and even when left at these elevated pressures for at least 1 hour, at least 6 hours, at least 12 hours, at least one day, at least one week, or at least one month. As used herein, a “stable” hydrocarbon-containing mixture will not explode when exposed to elevated pressures for extended periods of time as discussed above. This enables the hydrocarbon-containing mixture to be used in a much wider range of applications while maintaining a high energy content.

The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can have a reduced carbon dioxide emission factor per unit energy output compared to that of natural gas. The emission factor of the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture is approximately 0.000025 times higher than that of natural gas. However, the energy output of unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture is greater than that of natural gas. The energy content of the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be decreased by adding an inert gas, or nitrogen, or both.

In some embodiments, the emission factor of the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture is at least 15% less than that of natural gas. In some embodiments, the emission factor of the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture is at least 20% less than that of natural gas, or at least 25% less than that of natural gas, or at least 30% less than that of natural gas, or at least 35% less than that of natural gas, or at least 40% less than that of natural gas, or at least 45% less than that of natural gas.

The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be used for a normalization comparison of carbon dioxide produced to natural gas per unit energy output. Given identical combustion processes, the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can produce less carbon dioxide per unit energy produced compared to natural gas. As a non-limiting example, if natural gas emitted 100 lb/ft³ of CO₂ then the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture would emit 100.0020 lb/ft³ of CO₂. The energy content of the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be over 1,100 BTU/ft³, while the energy content of natural gas can be less than that of the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture, By adding 35-50% nitrogen or inert gas, the amount of CO₂ emitted by the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture would be reduced by 35-50%. Thus, the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture affords a substantial decrease in the greenhouse gas CO₂ per unit of thermal energy compared to that of natural gas.

The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can surprisingly be used as a direct replacement for natural gas. The energy content of the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be at least 1,100 BTU/ft³ at standard temperature and pressure. This energy release compares favorably with natural gas, but the hydrocarbon-containing mixture is an improvement because it can be formed in situ rather than being a natural resource that is extracted from the ground. Depending upon the particular composition of the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture, the addition of 35% nitrogen to the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can produce an energy output of 825-1073 BTU/ft³for the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture. Similarly, depending upon the particular composition of the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture, the addition of 50% nitrogen to the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can produce an energy output of 521-678 BTU/ft³for the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture.

An energy content of the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be at least 500 BTU/ft³ at standard temperature and pressure. An energy content of the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be less than 1,100 BTU/ft³ at standard temperature and pressure, or less than 1,000 BTU/ft³ at standard temperature and pressure, or less than 900 BTU/ft³ at standard temperature and pressure.

The method of mixing an unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixtures with an inert gas to result in a processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can comprise se providing a unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture feed stream 1, where the composition of the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be the same as that described above. The unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can comprise acetylene, butenyne, and at least 0.125% dimethyl butadiyne. The method can include providing an unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture feed stream comprising acetylene, butenyne, and at least 0.125% dimethyl butadiyne, and (i) further comprising dimethyl butadiyne, (ii) comprising at least 5% butenyne, or (iii) both.

The method for mixing can comprise a separate feed stream 2 comprising (a) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 50% nitrogen, or (c) both. The inert gas can be any composition of matter which is capable of achieving a gaseous state and not reacting with hydrocarbons in a combustion process. Such inert gases include, but are not limited to: nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, argon, krypton, neon, dichlorodifluoromethane, tetrafluoromethane, chlorotrifluoromethane, chlorodifluoromethane, sulfur hexafluoride, hexafluoroethane, perfluoropentane, perfluoromethylcyclohexane, perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane, perfluoromethyldecalin, or mixtures thereof.

Where the inert gas in the feed stream is other than nitrogen, the amount of inert gas in the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be greater than 1%, or alternatively, greater than 2%, or alternatively, greater than 5%, or alternatively, greater than 10%, or alternatively, greater than 20%, or alternatively, greater than 30%, or alternatively, greater than 35%, or alternatively, greater than 40%, or alternatively, greater than 45%, or alternatively, greater than 50%, or alternatively, greater than 55% or alternatively, greater than 60%, or alternatively, greater than 65%, or alternatively, greater than 70%, or alternatively, greater than 75%, or alternatively, greater than 80%. In some embodiments, the inert gas is present in an amount of 85% or less.

Where the inert gas is nitrogen in the feed stream, the amount of nitrogen in the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can be greater than 30%, or alternatively, greater than 35%, or alternatively, greater than 40%, or alternatively, greater than 45%, or alternatively, greater than 50%, or alternatively, greater than 55% or alternatively, greater than 60%, or alternatively, greater than 65%, or alternatively, greater than 70%, or alternatively, greater than 75%, or alternatively, greater than 80%. In some embodiments, the nitrogen is present in an amount of 85% or less.

Where the inert gas in the feed stream is a mixture of nitrogen and gas or gases other than nitrogen, the amount of nitrogen and gas or gases other than nitrogen can be greater than 30%, or alternatively, greater than 35%, or alternatively, greater than 40%, or alternatively, greater than 45%, or alternatively, greater than 50%, or alternatively, greater than 55% or alternatively, greater than 60%, or alternatively, greater than 65%, or alternatively, greater than 70%, or alternatively, greater than 75%, or alternatively, greater than 80%. In some embodiments, the inert gas, including nitrogen, is present in an amount of 85% or less.

In some embodiments, the ratio of nitrogen to the other inert gas(es) ranges from 5:1 to 1:100, or from 3:1 to 1:50.

The nitrogen feed stream can be produced by a nitrogen generator. A “nitrogen generator” as described herein can be a system capable of extracting nitrogen from an air intake stream to produce a nitrogen stream. The nitrogen generator can be a standard commercial nitrogen generator. A non-limiting example is the MAXIGAS Nitrogen Generator offered by Compressed Gas Technologies (Troy, Mich., USA). A non-limiting example is MAXIGAS104ECAHL offered by Parker (Cleveland, Ohio, USA). The nitrogen generator can comprise a gas separating material. The gas separating material can comprise gas fiber membranes, carbon molecular sieves, activated carbon, or a combination thereof. The nitrogen gas stream can also come from a cylinder comprising compressed nitrogen gas.

The method for mixing can be controlled by a gas-flow controllers 11, 10 on both the nitrogen stream and on the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream. “Gas-flow controller” means an instrument for controlling the total mass flow rate of a fluid through a dosed conduit. The gas-flow controller can be coupled to a gas flow meter. The gas flow meter can measure the rate of mass transfer through the transfer vessel. In some embodiments, the transfer vessel can be a tube. A non-limiting example of a gas-flow controller is the Red-y GSC-B offered by Vogtlin Instruments (Switzerland).

The gas-flow controllers 10, 11 can be controlled by a computer 14. The gas flow controllers 10, 11 can be connected to the computer 14 by wires 12, 13, respectively. The connection between the gas flow controllers and the computer can be via a physical connection 12, 13 or a non-physical connection. The non-physical connection can be via a wireless data transfer method. One non-limiting example of a wireless data transfer method to connect the gas flow controllers and the computer is a Bluetooth connection. Practitioners in the art will appreciate that other wireless data transfer methods can be used, including, but not limited to, Zigbee, WiFi, Infra-red, and radio waves.

In some embodiments, the method of mixing can produce a processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture comprising (a) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 30% nitrogen, or (c) both. In other embodiments, the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture produced using the method can also comprise at least (a) at least 10% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 30% nitrogen, or (c) both; (a) at least 15% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 35% nitrogen, or (c) both; (a) at least 25% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 40% nitrogen, or (c) both; (a) at least 30% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 45% nitrogen, or (c) both; (a) at least 35% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 50% nitrogen, or (c) both; (a) at least 40% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, or (b) greater than 55% nitrogen; (a) at least 45% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, or (b) greater than 60% nitrogen; (a) at least 50% of an inert gas other than nitrogen; (a) at least 55% of an inert gas other than nitrogen; (a) at least 60% of an inert gas other than nitrogen; or any appropriate combination thereof.

The method can also include storing the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture in a storage vessel. In some embodiments, the storage vessel is adapted for storing the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture under sufficient pressure to maintain the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture in a liquid state.

Storage of the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture enables the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture to be used in a variety of applications. The method of mixing can include storing the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture in a separate container 20 not in fluidic communication in one direction with the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream 17. The method where the storage vessel is in one way fluidic communication with the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream can be achieved with the use of a one-way valve 28. The one-way valve 28 can allow for fluid flow in one direction, but prevent fluid flow in the opposite direction. The one-way valve 28 can be actuated automatically or manually. The one-way valve 28 can reduce the pressure, stop fluid communication in one direction, or stop fluid communication in both directions of the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream. In some embodiments, the method can include physically disconnecting the storage vessel 20, 25 from the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream to allow for the transport of the storage vessel 20, 25.

The method for mixing can include storing the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture in a separate container 20 that is in fluidic communication with the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream 16. The fluidic communication can be achieved by a continuous open conduit between the storage vessel 20 and the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream 16. The open conduit can have valves 17, 18, 19, 29, 28, 24. The valves 17, 18, 19, 29, 28, 24 can reduce the pressure, stop the flow, or cease fluidic communication of the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a system for mixing the unprocessed hydrocarbon containing mixture with a secondary gas stream 2 comprising (a) nitrogen, (b) other inert gas, or (c) both, is described. The system can include a unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture feed stream 1 which can be pressurized by a pressurization vessel 4. The pressurization vessel 4 can comprise a pressure-relief valve 3 to allow for excess gas to be bled off, An exit of the pressurization vessel 4 can be in fluidic communication with a conduit 6 in fluidic communication with a valve 9. The valve 9 can be controlled manually or automatically. The manual control of the valve 9 can be achieved by a physical interaction with the valve or a remote interaction with the valve. The remote interaction with the valve 9 can be achieved by having a computer controlled valve in electronic communication with a controller computer 14. The valve 9 can be in fluidic communication with a first gas flow controller 10.

The nitrogen or inert gas can be provided by a secondary gas stream 2. The secondary gas stream 2 can be feed into a pressurization vessel 5, which can include a pressure relief valve 5 a to allow excess gas to be bled off. An exit of the pressurization vessel 5 can be in fluidic communication with a conduit 7 and a valve 8. The valve 8 can be controlled manually or automatically. The manual control of the valve 8 can be achieved by a physical interaction with the valve or a remote interaction with the valve. The remote interaction with the valve 8 can be achieved by having a computer controlled valve in electronic communication with a controller computer 14. The valve 8 can be in fluidic communication with a second gas flow controller 11.

The gas flow controllers 10, 11 can be controlled manually or electronically. The manual control of the gas flow controllers 10, 11 can be achieved by a physical interaction with the gas flow controllers 10, 11. The electronic control of the gas flow controllers 10, 11 can be achieved by a computer 14 in electronic communication 12 with the gas flow controllers 10, 11. The computer 14 can be integrated with the gas flow controllers 10, 11. The electronic control of the gas-flow controllers 10, 11 can be achieved with a physical connection between the computer 14 and the gas flow controllers 10, 11. The electronic control of the gas flow controllers 10, 11 can be achieved with a wireless electronic connection between the gas flow controllers 10, 11 and the computer 14. The practitioner in the art will appreciate that the wireless electronic connection can be achieved by a wireless communication method which includes, but is not limited to: BlueTooth, WiFi, Zigbee, radio, and infra-red communication. The gas flow controllers 10, 11 can be in fluidic communication with the mixing point 15.

The mixing point 15 can combine the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream 6 with the nitrogen, inert gas, or mixture of nitrogen and inert gas, stream 7 at a single, or multiple, junction points, to produce the processed hydrocarbon- containing mixture stream 16. The single junction point can be a connection between the conduit for the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream and the nitrogen, inert gas, or mixture of nitrogen and inert gas, stream. The multiple junction points can achieved with the use of a porous frit material in fluidic communication with both conduits. The mixing point 15 can be in fluidic communication with an outlet conduit 16.

A “conduit” as used herein, has its standard meaning, and includes a pipe suitable for directing the flow of liquids and gasses therein.

Although not necessary for practicing the invention, it is believed that the sizing of the pipes and orifices to control the rate of mixing. This may be the result of one or more of the following factors: increased residence time, and increased pressure.

In some embodiments, the outlet conduit 16 can be in fluidic communication with a valve 17 as shown in FIG. 1. The valve 17 can reduce the pressure, stop the flow, or cease fluidic communication of the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream 16. The valve 17 can be in fluidic communication with a one-way valve 18. The one-way valve 18 can stop fluidic communication in one direction, reduce fluidic flow rate in one direction, or allow continuous fluidic flow rate in one direction. The one way valve 18 can be in fluidic communication with a downstream valve 19. The downstream valve 19 can reduce the pressure, stop the flow, or cease fluidic communication of the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream. The downstream valve 19 can be in fluidic communication with a storage vessel 20. The storage vessel 20 can be in fluidic communication with a valve 21. The valve 21 can be in fluidic communication with the environment or system components for further processing.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the outlet conduit 16 can be in fluidic communication with a valve 29. The valve 29 can be in fluidic communication with a one-way valve 28. The one-way valve 28 can stop fluidic communication in one direction, reduce fluidic flow rate in one direction, or allow continuous fluidic flow rate in one direction. The one way valve 28 can be in fluidic communication with a conduit 22. The conduit 22 can be connected to another conduit 23 which is separable from conduit 22. The conduit 23 can be in fluidic communication with a downstream valve 24. The downstream valve can reduce the pressure, stop the flow, or cease fluidic communication of the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream. The downstream valve can be in fluidic communication with a storage vessel 25. The storage vessel can be in fluidic communication with a valve 26. The valve 26 can be in fluidic communication with an outlet conduit.

Practitioners in the art will appreciate that gas-gas mixing is a thermodynamic phenomenon, and that the example gases cited herein may or may not conform to the ideal gas law. As such, the volume compositions of the mixtures may vary as per temperature and pressure at standard gas law properties or non-ideal gas law properties.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, an describing embodiments of the method and system. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure.

All of the references cited herein are incorporated by reference.

The inventions illustratively described and claimed herein can suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein, or described herein, as essential. Thus, for example, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “for example”, etc., shall be read expansively and without limitation. The term “including” means “including but not limited to.” The phrase “for example” is not limited to, or by, the items that follow the phrase. All references to things “known in the art” include all those things and equivalents and substitutes, whether now known, or later discovered.

In claiming their inventions, the inventors reserve the right to substitute any transitional phrase with any other transitional phrase, and the inventions shad be understood to include such substituted transitions and form part of the original written description of the inventions. Thus, for example, the term “comprising” may be replaced with either of the transitional phrases “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of.”

The methods and processes illustratively described herein may be suitably practiced in differing orders of steps. They are not necessarily restricted to the orders of steps indicated herein, or in the claims.

Under no circumstances may the patent be interpreted to be limited to the specific examples, or embodiments, or methods, specifically disclosed herein. Under no circumstances may the patent be interpreted to be limited by any Statement made by any Examiner, or any other official or employee of the Patent and Trademark Office, unless such Statement was specifically, and without qualification or reservation, expressly, adopted by Applicants in a responsive writing specifically relating to the application that led to this patent prior to its issuance.

The terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions, or any portions thereof, to exclude any equivalents now know or later developed, whether or not such equivalents are set forth or shown or described herein or whether or not such equivalents are viewed as predictable, but it is recognized that various modifications are within the scope of the invention claimed, whether or not those claims issued with or without alteration or amendment for any reason. Thus, it shall be understood that, although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modifications and variations of the inventions embodied therein or herein disclosed can be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the inventions disclosed and claimed herein.

Specific methods and compositions described herein are representative of preferred embodiments and are exemplary of, and not intended as limitations on, the scope of the invention. Other objects, aspects, and embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this specification, and are encompassed within the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the claims. Where examples are given, the description shall be construed to include, but not to be limited to, only those examples. It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that varying substitutions and modifications may be made to the invention disclosed herein, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, and from the description of the inventions, including those illustratively set forth herein, it is manifest that various modifications and equivalents can be used to implement the concepts of the present invention, without departing from its scope. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Thus, for example, additional embodiments are within the scope of the invention and within the following claims.

While this invention has been disclosed with reference to specific embodiments, it is apparent that other embodiments and variations of this invention can be devised by those skilled in the art, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. The appended claims include all such embodiments and equivalent variations. 

1. A hydrocarbon-containing mixture, comprising acetylene, butenyne, and (a) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 30% nitrogen, or (c) both.
 2. The hydrocarbon-containing mixture according to claim 1, wherein said hydrocarbon-containing mixture comprises: 5% to 44.725% acetylene, 5% to 44.725% butenyne, at least 0.125% dimethyl butadiyne, and (a) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 30% nitrogen, or (c) both.
 3. The hydrocarbon-containing mixture according to claim 2, wherein the amount of nitrogen present is greater than 50%.
 4. The hydrocarbon-containing mixture according to claim 1, wherein the inert gas is selected from the group consisting of: nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, argon, krypton, neon, dichlorodifluoromethane, tetrafluoromethane, chlorotrifluoro ethane, chlorodifluoromethane, sulfur hexafluoride, hexafluoroethane, perfluoropentane, perfluoromethylcyclohexane, perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane, perfluoromethyldecalin, and mixtures thereof.
 5. The hydrocarbon-containing mixture according to claim 1, wherein the mixture is stable at a pressure of 25 psig for more than 1 day.
 6. The hydrocarbon-containing mixture according to claim 1, comprising at least 10% butenyne.
 7. The hydrocarbon-containing mixture according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of inert gas to acetylene ranges from 1:1 and 85:1.
 8. The hydrocarbon-containing mixture according to claim 1, wherein said hydrocarbon-containing mixture is anhydrous.
 9. The hydrocarbon-containing mixture according to claim 1, wherein an energy content of said hydrocarbon-containing mixture is at least 500 BTU/ft³ at standard temperature and pressure.
 10. The hydrocarbon-containing mixture according to claim 1, wherein an energy content of said hydrocarbon-containing mixture is less than 1,100 BTU/ft³ at standard temperature and pressure.
 11. The hydrocarbon-containing mixture according to claim 1, wherein said hydrocarbon-containing mixture is in liquid form.
 12. The hydrocarbon-containing mixture according to claim 1, further comprising at least 1% divinyl sulfide.
 13. The hydrocarbon-containing mixture according to claim 1, wherein the emission factor of the hydrocarbon-containing mixture is at least 15% less than that of natural gas.
 14. A method for producing the composition of claim 1, comprising: providing a feed stream comprising a unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture; and mixing said feed stream with a stream comprising (a) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 30% nitrogen, or (c) both, to produce a processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture comprising acetylene and butenyne and a gas selected from the group of inert gas or nitrogen, wherein said processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture further comprises (i) dimethyl butadiyne, (ii) at least 5% butenyne, or (iii) both.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said mixing comprises a nitrogen feed stream produced by a nitrogen generator.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said nitrogen generator comprises a gas separating material.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said gas separating material comprises gas fiber membranes, carbon molecular sieves, activated carbon, or a combination thereof.
 18. The method according to claim 14, wherein said mixing is controlled by gas-flow controllers on both the nitrogen stream and on the unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the gas-flow controllers are controlled by a computer.
 20. The method according to claim 14, wherein said unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream is in fluid communication with said inert gas stream at a single or more junction points to produce the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream.
 21. The method according to claim 14, wherein said processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture produced therefrom comprises (a) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 30% nitrogen, or (c) both.
 22. The method according to claim 14, wherein said processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture produced therefrom comprises (a) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 50% nitrogen, or (c) both.
 23. The method according to claim 14, wherein the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture is anhydrous.
 24. The method according to claim 14, where the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture is stored in a separate container not in fluidic communication in one direction with the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream.
 25. The method according to claim 14, where the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture is stored in a separate container which is in fluidic communication with the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream. 